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Galaxy Groups & Clusters Observing Program

Introduction

Welcome to the Astronomical League's Galaxy Groups and Clusters Observing Program. This program of 250 galaxy groups and clusters is designed for detailed visual and/or CCD observation.

For many, the challenge will be to see these galaxy clusters with their own eyes. Most of the galaxy groups and clusters of this observing program are visually accessible with a 12.5" telescope, although there are individual galaxies in some of the groups that are beyond almost all amateur observers. Although this program accomodates CCD cameras and imagers, you don't need a CCD camera to complete this program. You will be able to see at least some galaxies in all of the groups.

There are several rewards for undertaking this program, no matter which method you choose. Subtle visual detection will reward you with the thrilling experience of viewing extremely distant objects at the very edge of visibility. In a CCD image, this same cluster may be a very beautiful cloud of galaxies and their dim clouds of globular clusters.

Learning to identify star fields is important even with a computer driven telescope. An observer must match the galaxies with their map coordinates. Many of the clusters in this program's catalog are dim and difficult objet to find, requiring the observer to star hop and use averted vision.

To obtain your certificate and award pin for this program, purchase the Observe Galaxy Groups and Cluster observing guide from the AL Bookstore specifically written to support this observing program.

This guide is for amateur astronomers wanting to view and/or image galaxy groups and cluster visible in amateur telescopes. It contains a variety of associations from small compact groups, to larger, less compact groups (in some cases not well isolated from other nearby galaxies). Due to the nature of these complex objects, it is impossible to set a definite magnitude limit for this guide. In this sense, the challenge is open ended. Try to observer as many galaxies as you can in each case and don't be afraid to push your limits. You may be surprised to find that seemingly impossible faint objects will often yield to persistent scrutiny.

This guide includes a brief overview of some of the most popular atlases to assist you with their use and content. You will also find a variety of helpful observing hints, techniques, coordinates, data and technical information.

Rules and Regulations

There are two categories of search methods for this program, Manual and Device-Aided. To be considered for the Manual certificate, ALL of the objects must be observed manually. A space is provided on the Submittal Form to indicate your search method.

Manual infers that the observer hand-guides the telescope to the object. The observer uses his/her eye to see through the telescope to navigate to the object. Device-Aided infers the observer uses manual or digital setting circles, computer devices or other automatic aids in locating the object.

There are also two types of observing techniques, visual and imaging. Visual infers that the object is observed with the eye through the optics of the telescope. Imaging infers observations are obtained using astrophotography and/or CCD techniques.

To qualify for the AL's Galaxy Groups & Clusters Certificate and pin, you need only be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated club or as a Member-at-Large. If you are not a member now, click here to view information on becoming a member.

Description, in your own words, of the group and individual galaxies as appropriate (in many cases you will probably only see a very faint smudge).

Complete an index by putting the page number of your descriptions next to the groups and clusters on the list. The check-off and date columns are for your own use.

Submitting for Certification

To receive your Galaxy Groups & Clusters Certificate and Award Pin, complete the Submission form (found in the Guide, or equivalent)and submit with a COPY of your observations to the Galaxy Groups and Clusters Observing Program Coordinator.

Be sure to include: your name, mailing address, email, phone number, society affiliation, and to whom the certification should be sent.